n
of the Anglo-French _entente cordiale_ of 1904 and the Anglo-Russian
arrangement of 1907, of which we shall hear more when considering
the histories of the three countries directly involved. Whether or
not the German claim that these agreements were concluded with the
ulterior motives of isolating and then crushing Germany and her
allies had foundations, is of little importance. For the fact
remains that they were considered in this light, not only by
Germany's diplomats, but by the nation at large, and ever after
Germany's foreign policy was based on this consideration.

Even before England had actually come to a definite understanding
with Russia, the first test was put to the new line-up of the
European powers. In 1905 trouble arose about the extension of French
influence in North Africa. Although a general European war seemed
more possible at that time than at any other time within recent
years, it was averted as a result of the so-called Algeciras
Conference. In this first inning Germany won together with Italy and
Austria against France, backed by Russia and England, and the result
was the declaration of Morocco's integrity.

[Illustration: Europe in Twelfth Century, Historical Map.]

During the next decade the foreign policy of Germany showed the same
chief characteristic that was noticeable in that of the other
countries--high tension. One is almost tempted to compare this
period of Europe's history to the hours immediately preceding a
violent electrical storm. The diplomatic atmosphere was surcharged
with electricity, and long before the storm really broke the growl
of distant thunder could be heard and occasional flashes of
lightning announced its approach. That, in spite of all signs, so
many people firmly believed that the storm would never break, is
easily explained with the innate optimism of mankind, and is on a
par with the spirit of unbelief in unpleasant things that makes
people go out unprepared for rain, as long as rain only threatens,
but does not actually fall.

In 1911, Morocco again almost became the stumblingblock. In that
year France annexed this north African country in spite of the
agreement that had been reached at Algeciras. Germany immediately
entered a strong protest, which, however, was later withdrawn in
consideration of certain commercial privileges in connection with
the development of the country, and the cession of territory in
central Africa. Once more war had been avoided.